Nominations Open for Padma Awards 2026, Deadline Set for July 31
New Delhi, May 20 — Nominations for the Padma Awards 2026, to be announced on Republic Day next year, are now open and will be accepted until July 31, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs has announced. The process began on March 15, 2025, and nominations must be submitted online only via the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal at https://awards.gov.in.
The Padma Awards — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri — are among India’s highest civilian honours, recognizing exceptional and distinguished service across diverse fields including art, literature, education, sports, medicine, science, social work, public affairs, and industry. Instituted in 1954, the awards are announced annually on January 26.
Eligibility is open to all individuals, irrespective of race, occupation, or gender. However, government servants — including those from Public Sector Undertakings — are not eligible, with the exception of doctors and scientists.
Reinforcing its commitment to the vision of a “People’s Padma”, the Government has urged citizens to actively participate in the nomination process, especially recommending individuals from underrepresented groups such as women, SCs, STs, divyang persons, and those performing selfless service to society. Self-nominations are also permitted.
Nominations must include complete details in the prescribed format, along with an 800-word citation describing the nominee’s exceptional achievements or service.
More information, including statutes and rules governing the awards, is available at:
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https://mha.gov.in (under ‘Awards and Medals’ section)